IELTS Marking Criteria are the official standards used by examiners to assess candidate performance in the IELTS exam.
These criteria explain how scores are awarded in the productive skills:
- Writing
- Speaking
For Listening and Reading, scores are based mainly on the number of correct answers.
Understanding the marking criteria helps candidates focus on what truly improves band scores.
Where They Apply
Writing Test
Used to score:
- Writing Task One
- Writing Task Two
Speaking Test
Used to score:
- Speaking Part One
- Speaking Part Two
- Speaking Part Three
Writing Marking Criteria
Writing is assessed using four equal criteria.
Task Achievement / Task Response
Task One
How well you answer the task, summarize key features, and meet requirements.
Task Two
How clearly you address the question, present ideas, and support arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion
How logically ideas are organized and connected.
Includes:
- Paragraphing
- Clear progression
- Linking devices used naturally
Lexical Resource
Your range and accuracy of vocabulary.
Includes:
- Topic vocabulary
- Word choice
- Collocations
- Spelling accuracy
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Your ability to use grammar structures correctly and flexibly.
Includes:
- Sentence variety
- Tense control
- Error frequency
- Complex structures
Speaking Marking Criteria
Speaking is assessed using four equal criteria.
Fluency and Coherence
How smoothly you speak and organize ideas.
Includes:
- Natural pace
- Limited hesitation
- Clear development of answers
Lexical Resource
Your spoken vocabulary range and precision.
Includes:
- Topic vocabulary
- Ability to paraphrase
- Natural word choice
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Your spoken grammar flexibility and correctness.
Includes:
- Sentence forms
- Accuracy under pressure
- Variety of structures
Pronunciation
How clearly and effectively you are understood.
Includes:
- Individual sounds
- Stress
- Rhythm
- Intonation
Accent alone does not reduce score if speech is clear.
Listening and Reading Scoring
These sections are scored by correct answers out of 40.
Then raw scores are converted into band scores.
Examples:
- Higher correct totals = higher bands
- No examiner judgment on style or grammar
Why Marking Criteria Matter
They help candidates:
- Study smarter
- Avoid guessing what examiners want
- Target weak areas
- Improve efficiently
- Understand score feedback
Common Candidate Mistakes
Writing Only for Vocabulary
Ignoring task response and organization.
Speaking Fast Without Clarity
Fluency is not speed alone.
Memorized Templates
Can hurt coherence and naturalness.
Ignoring Grammar Accuracy
Complex grammar with many errors does not score highly.
High-Scoring Strategy
Writing
Balance all four criteria.
Speaking
Be natural, clear, and developed.
Listening/Reading
Build accuracy and time management.
Quick Tips
- Every Writing criterion matters equally.
- Every Speaking criterion matters equally.
- Strong vocabulary alone is not enough.
- Clear communication beats forced complexity.
Why Strong Candidates Perform Well
Top scorers understand the scoring system and train the exact skills examiners measure.
